From Tanzania to Oklahoma: The Future Belongs to Those who Embrace Diversity and Inclusion

Published: Aug 01, 2024

Country: Tanzania

Eva Ephrem Chuwa is a 2024 Fellow in the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement. This program is sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion (HI). The following blog post was written by guest author Eva.

Embarking on this journey is a huge milestone for me, as it marks my first experience flying! So far, it's been a whirlwind of amazing memories and experiences. Our journey took us from Dar es Salaam to Paris, and after a layover, we finally arrived in Boston, where participants from three East African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda) gathered.

Our time in Boston began with sharing our inspiring projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities. Despite the cold weather, our stay was fantastic, thanks to the excellent arrangements made by our program organizers, Dr. Heike Boeltzig-Brown and Christa Preston. We had the chance to explore iconic places like Harvard Law School and enjoyed navigating the city via trains and buses.

A Tanzanian woman with short hair, wearing glasses and a black T-shirt that reads "The Future is Inclusive," stands in front of a podium with a laptop in front of her. Behind her, a screen displays her image and text. The woman appears to be giving a presentation. — Figure 1: Eva presenting her Fellowship project at the Program Orientation Event in Boston, Massachusetts.

My journey of learning and exploration continued in Oklahoma City, where I had the privilege of meeting my host mentors Dr. Megan Roberts and Wanda Felty. Their warm welcome and open-mindedness paved the way for me to understand the US disability system.

During my time in Oklahoma, I engaged in various activities aimed at understanding disability issues and support systems. I attended informative trainings, meetings, and conferences focusing on developmental disabilities services that provided insights into employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Involvement with the Child Study Center deepened my understanding of autism assessment, and exploring different school districts highlighted inclusive education practices.

Four women posing for a group picture in a classroom, smiling at the camera. Three are American and one is Tanzanian. Behind them is a large screen, with chairs and tables in the background. The woman on the far left has long brown hair and is wearing a white blouse and blue jeans. The woman next to her has short black hair, dark-rimmed glasses, and is wearing an African print dress. The woman next to her is wearing a headscarf, a blue t-shirt with designs, a brown cardigan, and black pants. The woman on the far right has long brown hair and is wearing a brown blouse and grey pants. — Figure 2: From left to right: Dr. Ami Bax, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Section Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC); Eva; Denis Chember, Marketing and Communications Specialist; and Dr. Megan Roberts, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the College of Medicine, OUHSC, posing for a group picture in a classroom after Eva's Fellowship follow-on presentation

Inclusive civic engagement in Oklahoma involves government initiatives, organizational efforts, and social services. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures accessibility, with state-funded programs like the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services providing vital support. Nonprofit organizations collaborate with the government to advocate for inclusivity and offer specialized services. Social services, such as healthcare and housing, contribute to the well-being of individuals with disabilities.

One of the most unforgettable moments for me was when I volunteered at the Sibling Camping Event held in Wewoka. This heartwarming gathering brought together siblings of children with disabilities, offering them a chance to bond and enjoy various activities while giving their parents much-needed respite. Witnessing the joy, laughter, and genuine engagement of the children was truly uplifting. I seized the opportunity to try out new adventures, from kayaking to archery, fishing, and even mastering the art of roasting marshmallows. I am inspired to share the lessons learned and spread the message of creating similar opportunities back home for children with disabilities and their siblings.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of exploring various sites around Oklahoma, each offering its own unique moment. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Autism Awareness Walk and the Special Olympics. The Chuck Wagon Festival provided an understanding of American history, while a visit to the First American Museum deepened my understanding of the nation's past. However, the most memorable experience was encountering tornadoes firsthand. This provided valuable insights into the advancements in technology used to overcome such disasters. I was impressed by the real-time weather alerts on my phone and through news broadcasts, which kept us informed about the evolving situation. Additionally, witnessing a storm chaser car on the road and experiencing hail was an awesome moment that added to the adventure of my stay.

I shared some delicious Tanzanian food and cooking skills with my homestay family, giving them a taste of our traditional flavors. At a workplace event, I did a presentation about disability in Tanzania and shared some of the tourist attractions and different disability advocacy. People participated and engaged in the discussion, making it an informative session.

A Tanzanian woman dressed in a black t-shirt and pants, wearing dark-rimmed glasses, standing at a stove in a kitchen, cooking a meal. — Figure 3: Eva cooking Tanzanian food for her homestay family.

After my Fellowship placement in Oklahoma, I traveled to Washington, DC, to attend the PFP Program Closing Workshop and the Professional Fellows Congress. My time in the capitol city was absolutely delightful as I shared everything I had learned and experienced during my stay in Oklahoma through my follow-on project presentation. Additionally, I expanded my network by meeting other Fellows from across the globe at the congress. They enthusiastically shared their experiences and engaged in cultural exchange. Exploring DC's landmarks was a highlight; visiting the iconic White House and sightseeing gave me much adventure in understanding the city. Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to participate with my peers in a radio interview at Voice of America (VOA), where we discussed the Fellowship program and shared our experiences.

My Fellowship was an incredible and fulfilling journey filled with learning, adventure, and unforgettable moments that I will cherish forever.

Figure 4: Eva discussing her Fellowship experience in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) Broadcasting Station.